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John “Hands of Stone” Lineker has once again showcased his destructive power, this time in the world of Muay Thai. Just weeks after his professional debut in “the art of eight limbs,” Lineker scored his second straight knockout at ONE Fight Night 25 on October 4, obliterating rising contender Alexey Balyko in the first round. The victory proves that Lineker’s famous fists are just as lethal in a new rule set, making him 2-0 in his Muay Thai career.
Balyko entered the bout as a dangerous opponent, boasting a 3-1 record in ONE Championship and a reputation for heavy striking. But the Russian striker couldn’t withstand the Brazilian’s concussive punches, with Lineker landing a devastating knockout at just 2:14 into the fight. For Lineker, this win solidifies his place as a force in the striking-only sport, while he continues to juggle his thriving MMA career.
As a former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion with over 16 years of experience in mixed martial arts, Lineker isn’t turning his back on the sport that made him a star. But he’s relishing the opportunity to focus on pure striking without the threat of takedowns.
Speaking to ONEFC.com after his victory, he shared his excitement about competing in Muay Thai:
“I want to focus on MMA, but I’m really happy with the opportunity to fight in Muay Thai. I’m really enjoying fighting in Muay Thai, especially because this is just striking, so I don’t need to be very worried when they want to take me down and this kind of thing.”
With two knockout wins in less than a month, Lineker is taking a well-earned break, but his plans are far from complete. He’s still eyeing another run for MMA gold, especially after back-to-back MMA victories against Stephen Loman and Kim Jae Woong, following his loss to Fabricio Andrade for the bantamweight title in February.
“Right now, I’m thinking about getting some rest, and after that, maybe in March next year, I will come back to fight in MMA,” said Lineker. “I’d like to have a trilogy against Fabricio Andrade.”
Though he’s eager for another shot at the MMA crown, Lineker’s striking dominance has sparked excitement in the Muay Thai world. Fans are buzzing about potential matchups, and Lineker himself has already set his sights on big names. Among them is the current ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
“I’ve called Rodtang out already. So now I need to wait to see if the boss will make this happen,” Lineker said. “If the opportunity to fight him is the next one, let’s fight. Let’s go to war. I always go there for the knockout, to fight, to win, and with Rodtang, it wouldn’t be different.”
While he’s just starting his Muay Thai journey, Lineker’s aspirations don’t stop at Rodtang. The Brazilian knockout artist also mentioned his interest in facing Superlek Kiatmoo9, the newly crowned ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion. Lineker remains respectful of the top names in the sport but makes it clear that he’s not shying away from any challenge.
“There are many tough men [in this division]. One of them is Superlek. I’m a fighter. I would never run from a war. So, I’m building up my career in Muay Thai step by step, but for sure, I would fight him.”
With Lineker’s heavy hands and relentless spirit, his transition into Muay Thai is already making waves. Whether it’s a return to MMA or a showdown with Muay Thai megastars like Rodtang and Superlek, one thing is certain—John Lineker’s career in combat sports is far from over, and the knockouts are just getting started. Fight.TV is here for it!
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